Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous The mantra heading into second-quarter results is that another display of stupendous growth of 24% over a year earlier makes equities appear quite reasonably priced. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 14 July 2026 Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026 The Boston bullpen followed with stupendous collective effort, and in a timely two hours and 32 minutes, the Red Sox completed 2-1 victory for a series sweep of the White Sox. — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 Since SpaceX’s stupendous debut, the math governing a potential union has improved substantially. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Bruna is fantastic, and Alison is a wonderful producer with a great eye.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026
  • It is carefully crafted and wincingly sincere, a wonderful conversion of inversions.
    — Samuel Hyland, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This amazing energy, the vitality, simply could not be repressed.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Each week, there are more amazing stats and historical comparisons.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • At Garth Greenan, where more than forty of Drexler’s paintings and drawings from the sixties were on display, I was struck, once again, by the astonishing freshness and psychological bite of her work.
    — Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Chelsea 2026-27 rank second on that list, trailing only Liverpool’s astonishing start to their title-winning 2019-20 campaign.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But the revelation has also raised questions about what Leo knew and when, given his poignant prayers in late September at a French shrine where Catholics believe miraculous cures have occurred.
    — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • William Perkins, an influential proponent of witch fever in late sixteenth-century England, notes that any miraculous power a witch or her objects appears to have is merely borrowed from Satan.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But Pattinson is also surrounded by marvelous turns from Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, and Phoebe Bridgers as Lance Oppenheim’s drama dives into the series’ uneasy ascent to must-watch TV.
    — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The Panic of 1837—perhaps the worst of them all—gave rise to a long series of marvelous psychoses culminating in Know-Nothingism, which flourished around a dozen years after the crash.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The quick thinking to observe, to then park and follow someone into the school is incredible and undoubtedly saved people.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • There's an incredible amount to explore between northern lights hunting sessions.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The claim that mitochondrial dysfunction is a factor in mental health disorders as well as physical ones is surprising to many people.
    — Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Louis-Dreyfus works to make Polly relatable, a surprising choice for one of television’s most astringent comic presences.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The stunning eat-in kitchen is updated with high end custom cabinetry, a center island with room for seating on one side and a workspace surrounding the kitchen sink.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The signal caller was impressive during BYU’s 28-24 win over the Irish, throwing for 224 yards and a touchdown while rushing for a pair of scores in one of a handful of stunning upsets across the sport.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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